We love to see Tasmanians who exhibit the quiet pursuit of the extraordinary and put our great State on the map.
Congratulations to climate solutions innovator and founder of Sea Forest, Sam Elsom, our 2025 Tasmanian Australian of the Year.
Sam has commercialised a new way to reduce methane emissions. Methane is a significant contributor to global warming because it’s 28 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.
Sam founded Sea Forest, one of the first start-ups to successfully turn Asparagopsis, a native Australian red species of seaweed, into a livestock feed supplement.
Sea Forest was recently named as a finalist for the $1.9 million Earthshot prize set up in 2020 by Prince William and nature documentarian Sir David Attenborough.
By dramatically reducing methane emissions, Sam is strengthening the sustainability of livestock industries, slowing global warming and potentially changing the course of our planet’s future.
We also congratulate our other category recipients:
Tasmanian Senior Australian Of The Year, Gynaecological oncologist, Associate Professor Penelope Blomfield;
Associate Professor Blomfield’s life work has been dedicated to improving the quality and longevity of life for her patients and others affected by gynaecological cancers.
In 2000, she became the first female gynaecological oncologist in Tasmania and has remained at the forefront of the continuous advancement of medical research as well as being appointed by the Federal Minister for Health to the Cancer Australia Advisory Council in 2018 and again in 2021.
Tasmanian Young Australian Of The Year, Olympic swimmer, Ariarne Titmus OAM;
At the age of only 24, Ariarne has already achieved more in her sporting career than most could ever dream of. She made a name for herself on the global stage in 2018, winning two gold medals and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.
Ariarne hold several world records and has won gold medals in both the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics. With her quiet strength and determination, she is a role model for young swimmers who want to improve and test the boundaries of what is possible.
Tasmanian Australia’s Local Hero, Founder of Young Leaders of Tasmania, Keren Franks;
Keren has firsthand experience of the power of inclusion for people living with disability and those around them. She has touched the lives of countless young Tasmanians by bringing to life her groundbreaking vision.
YLOT’s programs help to change community perceptions around disability, foster inclusion and acceptance, increase workforce participation in the disability sector, and provide opportunities for young Tasmanians.
Congratulations to all 16 nominees whose outstanding contributions make our State an even greater place to live.
Our four recipients – Sam, Penelope, Ariarne and Keren – will represent Tasmania at the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced in Canberra on 25 January 2025.
